UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
Investment Company Act file number 811-642
DWS International Fund, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 454-7190
Paul Schubert
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Date of fiscal year end: | 10/31 |
Date of reporting period: | 4/30/07 |
ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 30, 2007
Semiannual Report
to Shareholders
DWS Emerging Markets
Equity Fund
![]() |
Contents
Click here Performance Summary Click here Information About Your Fund's Expenses Click here Portfolio Management Review Click here Portfolio Summary Click here Investment Portfolio Click here Financial Statements Click here Financial Highlights Click here Notes to Financial Statements Click here Account Management Resources Click here Privacy Statement |
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. To obtain a prospectus for any of our funds, refer to the Account Management Resources information provided in the back of this booklet. We advise you to consider the fund's objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Investments in mutual funds involve risk. Some funds have more risk than others. This fund is subject to stock market risk. Investing in securities of emerging markets presents certain unique risks not associated with domestic investments, such as currency fluctuation, political and economic changes and market risks. This fund also may focus its investments in certain geographical regions, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region. All of these factors may result in greater share price volatility. Please read this fund's prospectus for specific details regarding its investments and risk profile.
DWS Scudder is part of Deutsche Asset Management, which is the marketing name in the US for the asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. and DWS Trust Company.
NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Performance Summary April 30, 2007
Classes A, B and C
All performance shown is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions, and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate with changing market conditions so that, when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Please visit www.dws-scudder.com for the Fund's most recent month-end performance.
The maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. For Class B shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) is 4% within the first year after purchase, declining to 0% after six years. Class C shares have no adjustment for front-end sales charges but redemptions within one year of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of 1%. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had.
The total annual fund operating expenses ratios, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated March 1, 2007 are 1.82%, 2.70% and 2.62% for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively. Please see the Information About Your Fund's Expenses, the Financial Highlights and Notes to the Financial Statements (Note C, Related Parties) sections of this report for gross and net expense related disclosure for the period ended April 30, 2007.
To discourage short-term trading, the Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shareholders redeeming shares held less than 15 days, which has the effect of lowering total return.
Returns and rankings for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods shown reflect a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. Without this waiver/reimbursement, returns and rankings would have been lower.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Returns and rankings may differ by share class.
Returns shown for Class A, B and C shares prior to their inception on May 29, 2001 are derived from the historical performance of Class S shares of the DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund during such periods and have been adjusted to reflect the higher gross total annual operating expenses of each specific class. Any difference in expenses will affect performance.
Average Annual Total Returns (Unadjusted for Sales Charge) as of 4/30/07 | |||||
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Class A | 17.19% | 15.19% | 29.97% | 24.31% | 7.56% |
Class B | 16.64% | 14.16% | 28.92% | 23.33% | 6.68% |
Class C | 16.75% | 14.27% | 28.95% | 23.36% | 6.72% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index+ | 20.27% | 18.21% | 33.67% | 25.81% | 9.24% |
Sources: Lipper Inc. and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
‡ Total returns shown for periods less than one year are not annualized.Net Asset Value and Distribution Information | |||
| Class A | Class B | Class C |
Net Asset Value: 4/30/07 | $ 22.70 | $ 21.45 | $ 21.52 |
10/31/06 | $ 25.35 | $ 24.34 | $ 24.39 |
Distribution Information: Six Months as of 4/30/07:Income Dividends | $ .03 | $ — | $ — |
Capital Gain Distributions | $ 6.43 | $ 6.43 | $ 6.43 |
Class A Lipper Rankings — Emerging Markets Funds Category as of 4/30/07 | ||||
Period | Rank |
| Number of Funds Tracked | Percentile Ranking (%) |
1-Year | 174 | of | 228 | 76 |
3-Year | 128 | of | 187 | 69 |
5-Year | 85 | of | 155 | 55 |
Source: Lipper Inc. Rankings are historical and do not guarantee future results. Rankings are based on total return unadjusted for sales charges with distributions reinvested. If sales charges had been included, rankings might have been less favorable. Rankings are for Class A shares; other share classes may vary.
Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment (Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge) |
[] DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class A [] MSCI Emerging Markets Index+ |
![]() |
Yearly periods ended April 30 |
The Fund's growth of an assumed $10,000 investment is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,425.
Comparative Results (Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge) as of 4/30/07 | |||||
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | |
Class A | Growth of $10,000 | $10,856 | $20,695 | $27,982 | $19,530 |
Average annual total return | 8.56% | 27.43% | 22.85% | 6.92% | |
Class B | Growth of $10,000 | $11,157 | $21,226 | $28,434 | $19,097 |
Average annual total return | 11.57% | 28.51% | 23.24% | 6.68% | |
Class C | Growth of $10,000 | $11,427 | $21,442 | $28,562 | $19,171 |
Average annual total return | 14.27% | 28.95% | 23.36% | 6.72% | |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index+ | Growth of $10,000 | $11,821 | $23,884 | $31,524 | $24,208 |
Average annual total return | 18.21% | 33.67% | 25.81% | 9.24% |
The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
+ The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index of companies in a universe of 26 emerging markets. The index is calculated using closing local market prices and translates into US dollars using the London close foreign exchange rates.Index returns assume reinvested dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Class S
Class S shares are generally not available to new investors except under certain circumstances. (Please refer to the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.)
All performance shown is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions, and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate with changing market conditions so that, when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Please visit www.dws-scudder.com for the Fund's most recent month-end performance.
The total annual fund operating expense ratio, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated March 1, 2007 is 1.60% for Class S shares. Please see the Information About Your Fund's Expenses, the Financial Highlights and Notes to the Financial Statements (Note C, Related Parties) sections of this report for gross and net expense related disclosure for the period ended April 30, 2007.
To discourage short-term trading, the Fund imposes a 2% redemption fee on shareholders redeeming shares held less than 15 days, which has the effect of lowering total return.
Returns and rankings during all periods shown reflect a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. Without this waiver/reimbursement, returns and rankings would have been lower.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Returns and rankings may differ by share class.
Average Annual Total Returns as of 4/30/07 | |||||
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | 6-Month‡ | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Class S | 17.29% | 15.49% | 30.28% | 24.66% | 7.84% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index+ | 20.27% | 18.21% | 33.67% | 25.81% | 9.24% |
Sources: Lipper Inc. and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
‡ Total returns shown for periods less than one year are not annualized.Net Asset Value and Distribution Information | |
| Class S |
Net Asset Value: 4/30/07 | $ 22.92 |
10/31/06 | $ 25.58 |
Distribution Information: Six Months as of 4/30/07:Income Dividends | $ .10 |
Capital Gain Distributions | $ 6.43 |
Class S Lipper Rankings — Emerging Markets Funds Category as of 4/30/07 | ||||
Period | Rank |
| Number of Funds Tracked | Percentile Ranking (%) |
1-Year | 171 | of | 228 | 75 |
3-Year | 123 | of | 187 | 65 |
5-Year | 77 | of | 155 | 50 |
10-Year | 61 | of | 79 | 77 |
Source: Lipper Inc. Rankings are historical and do not guarantee future results. Rankings are based on total return with distributions reinvested. Rankings are for Class S shares; other share classes may vary.
Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment |
[] DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund — Class S [] MSCI Emerging Markets Index+ |
![]() |
Yearly periods ended April 30 |
Comparative Results as of 4/30/07 | |||||
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | |
Class S | Growth of $10,000 | $11,549 | $22,110 | $30,109 | $21,272 |
Average annual total return | 15.49% | 30.28% | 24.66% | 7.84% | |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index+ | Growth of $10,000 | $11,821 | $23,884 | $31,524 | $24,208 |
Average annual total return | 18.21% | 33.67% | 25.81% | 9.24% |
The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
+ The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index of companies in a universe of 26 emerging markets. The index is calculated using closing local market prices and translates into US dollars using the London close foreign exchange rates.Index returns assume reinvested dividends and, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Information About Your Fund's Expenses
As an investor of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: ongoing expenses and transaction costs. Ongoing expenses include management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. Examples of transaction costs include sales charges (loads), redemption fees and account maintenance fees, which are not shown in this section. The following tables are intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to help you compare these expenses with the ongoing expenses of investing in other mutual funds. In the most recent six-month period, the Fund limited these expenses for Class S shares; had it not done so, expenses would have been higher. The example in the table is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period (November 1, 2006 to April 30, 2007).
The tables illustrate your Fund's expenses in two ways:
Actual Fund Return. This helps you estimate the actual dollar amount of ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) paid on a $1,000 investment in the Fund using the Fund's actual return during the period. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the "Expenses Paid per $1,000" line under the share class you hold.
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return. This helps you to compare your Fund's ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) with those of other mutual funds using the Fund's actual expense ratio and a hypothetical rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. Examples using a 5% hypothetical fund return may be found in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
Please note that the expenses shown in these tables are meant to highlight your ongoing expenses only and do not reflect any transaction costs. The "Expenses Paid per $1,000" line of the tables is useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help you determine the relative total expense of owning different funds. If these transaction costs had been included, your costs would have been higher.
Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment for the six months ended April 30, 2007 | ||||
Actual Fund Return | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class S |
Beginning Account Value 11/1/06 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 4/30/07 | $ 1,171.90 | $ 1,166.40 | $ 1,167.50 | $ 1,172.90 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $ 9.42 | $ 14.23 | $ 13.76 | $ 8.46 |
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class S |
Beginning Account Value 11/1/06 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,000.00 |
Ending Account Value 4/30/07 | $ 1,016.12 | $ 1,011.65 | $ 1,012.10 | $ 1,017.01 |
Expenses Paid per $1,000* | $ 8.75 | $ 13.22 | $ 12.77 | $ 7.85 |
Annualized Expense Ratios | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class S |
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund | 1.75% | 2.65% | 2.56% | 1.57% |
For more information, please refer to the Fund's prospectus.
In the following interview, Lead Portfolio Manager Terrence Gray discusses DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund's strategy and the market environment during the six-month period ended April 30, 2007.
Q: How did emerging-markets stocks perform during the semiannual period?
A: The asset class continued to deliver outstanding performance, returning 20.27% as measured by the fund's benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index.1 In addition to providing a strong absolute return, the emerging markets outpaced their developed market peers, as gauged by the 11.87% return of the MSCI World Index (a measure of global stock markets, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and the Far East).2 The emerging markets have outperformed not just in the past six months, but also over the long term:
| 1-year | 3-year | 5-year | 10-year |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index | 18.21% | 33.67% | 25.81% | 9.24% |
MSCI World Index | 16.98% | 17.10% | 12.10% | 8.00% |
Performance is historical and no guarantee of future results.
1 The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index of companies in a universe of 26 emerging markets. The index is calculated using closing local market prices and translates into US dollars using the London close foreign exchange rates.2 The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) World Index is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted measure of global stock markets, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and the Far East. The index is calculated using closing market prices and converts to US dollars using the London close foreign exchange rates.
Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends and, unlike fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.
The reasons for the rally are both technical and fundamental in nature. With regard to the former, a high level of global liquidity — in other words, the availability of cash to be put to work in the financial markets — has been supportive for all higher-risk asset classes. Emerging markets in particular have been a key beneficiary of this trend, largely because of the second key factor — their robust fundamentals. Emerging nations boast the strongest economic backdrop in decades, with a large trade surpluses, increasingly sound fiscal policies and low debt financing requirements. The asset class has also been supported by the growing wealth of the middle class, which is a positive for banks and consumer-related companies. These healthy economic fundamentals have caused investors to view the region as being less risky, and this in turn has led to lower interest rates — an important development since this reduces the financing costs for emerging nations.
Despite this broadly positive environment, emerging-market equities experienced a sharp correction in late February and early March due to a brief selloff in China and concerns that weakness in the US subprime mortgage market would spill over to the rest of the US economy. We are encouraged by the speed of the subsequent rebound, which was driven in part by investors' recognition that the fundamentals of the asset class remained solid.
Q: How did the fund perform relative to its benchmark and peer group?
A: The total return of the fund's Class A shares for the six-month period ended April 30, 2007, was 17.19%. (Returns are unadjusted for sales charges. If sales charges had been included, returns would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please see pages 4 through 8 for the performance of other share classes and for more complete performance information.)
The fund's return was slightly below both the 20.27% return of the benchmark and the 19.54% average return of the 250 funds in its Lipper peer group, Emerging Markets Funds.3
3 Lipper's Emerging Markets Funds category is defined as those funds that seek long-term capital appreciation by investing at least 65% of total assets in emerging-market equity securities, where "emerging market" is defined by a country's GNP per capita or other economic measures. Category returns assume reinvestment of dividends. It is not possible to invest directly into a Lipper category.Q: What factors helped and hurt performance?
A: The fund benefited from the substantial outperformance of our stock picks in the consumer sector. Our stock selection also proved effective within materials and energy. Offsetting this was our underperformance in financials — the largest sector in the emerging-markets index — and industrials. Keeping in mind that the fund's sector weightings are a residual effect of our individual stock picks, performance was hurt by an overweight position in technology as well as an underweight in materials.4
4 "Overweight" means the fund holds a higher weighting in a given sector or security than the benchmark. "Underweight" means the fund holds a lower weighting.Q: What individual holdings helped performance during the period?
A: The top contributor to performance was Unibanco-Uniao de Bancos Brasileiros SA, whose shares surged over 73% on the strength of its robust fourth-quarter earnings results. The company has benefited from both its growing loan business and the increased use of credit cards in Brazil. The second-best contributor was an Indian company, Bharti Airtel Ltd., which reported gains in its third-quarter profit as local demand for portable music players and handsets experienced impressive, sustained growth. The company also saw continued growth in domestic mobile-phone subscribers. Also making a strong contribution was the Mexican department store operator Grupo FAMSA SA, which was helped by news of declining core inflation and sustained growth in Mexico's retail sales. Rising profits boosted the shares of Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS, which benefited from both renewed domestic demand for loans in Turkey and the announcement of its plans to expand its operations in Africa and Eastern Europe. Rounding out the list of top contributors was Truworths International Ltd., the South African retailer that has benefited from the country's rising personal consumption. Truworths has been expanding to take advantage of the consumer boom, which has been fueled in part by the central bank cutting interest rates to their lowest level since 1980.
Q: What holdings detracted from performance?
A: The leading individual detractor from performance was Dubai's Emaar Properties, the largest land developer in the Middle East. Its stock struggled after the company announced it would swap bonds convertible into shares of the company for land. Dubai's government raised concerns over this deal, but in our view investors overreacted and failed to understand the long-term strategic partnership that Emaar has with the government. Krung Thai Bank PCL. lost ground along with other domestic-focused Thai banks amid lingering negative sentiment surrounding the Thai market. The fund's performance was also hurt by its non-holding in SK Corp., which performed very well due to increased oil prices, sound financial management and the positive sentiment regarding the company's valuation. Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA, the Brazilian airliner, lost ground after lowering its earnings guidance for 2006. Air traffic issues in Brazil caused a higher number of cancelled and delayed flights, hurting the company's short-term revenues. Finally, Taiwan's High Tech Computer Corp. lagged when unimpressive demand for high-end handsets caused the company to miss earnings estimates.
Q: In what areas of the market have you been finding opportunities?
A: We remain focused on a few key long-term trends in the emerging markets — the growing middle class, the massive infrastructure buildout, and the opportunities in some of the frontier markets. We continue to seek mispriced securities in areas of our universe that have lagged and have strong valuation support. These themes remain the key drivers of performance for the fund, and we continue to find compelling stocks that fit these criteria.
Our focus on the frontier markets — i.e., the smaller, less heavily followed countries in the emerging-markets universe — reflects our ongoing search for undervalued, fast-growing companies in an environment in which we believe higher-priced markets such as China and India may become more vulnerable. We recently staged a research trip to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar. This initiative was prompted by the fact that sharp corrections in these markets over the past year has made their valuations increasingly attractive. There has been a massive transfer of wealth to this region with the oil price surge of the past few years, and this has translated into strong economic growth, job creation and increased spending patterns. We have found several compelling ideas in real estate, financial services and logistics. These markets lack strong correlations to other developed and emerging markets, a quality that we find attractive.
Our focus on frontier markets also led us to spend a few days in Pakistan in order to explore this undervalued and fast-growing economy. Pakistan has experienced GDP growth in excess of 6% for the past three years and we believe this is likely to continue over the next three to five years. Growth is being driven by investment, manufacturing, agriculture and a nascent service sector. Spending time in both Karachi and Islamabad, one cannot help but be amazed at the huge investment in infrastructure after 20 years of little or no activity. Roads are being ripped up and dramatically expanded; entire sewage and water distribution systems are being created; and office, hotels and residences are being built for the first time in a decade. The lack of good infrastructure is reminiscent of China and India 10 to 15 years ago, and we see a long and fruitful investment cycle ahead. Pakistan is also one of the most attractive countries from a demographic perspective, as out of its population of 160 million, nearly 100 million are under the age of 25. This brings huge challenges and opportunities, but we believe this presents a tremendous opportunity as these young people enter the workforce and become a part of the burgeoning middle class. In our view, Pakistan is a prime example of the opportunities that exist in the frontier markets.
Our trip to Pakistan also highlighted the importance of the infrastructure buildout that is occurring in the emerging markets. While not a new theme for the portfolio, the story remains one of our high-conviction ideas due to the incredible need for roads, ports, damns, refineries and petrochemical facilities in the emerging markets. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) alone this year, there is projected to be spending of $150 billion on infrastructure and $45 billion for petrochemical facilities in Saudi Arabia.5 Russia is projected to spend over $100 billion on various projects, while China and India also continue their fast-paced investments in this area. While it is difficult to accurately quantify all of the infrastructure spending, we can safely assume that close to $350 billion will be spent on these projects over the next year across the emerging-markets universe. We have several plays on this theme in the fund, such as Samsung Engineering Co. Ltd., one of Korea's leading engineering and construction companies with a large market share in Middle Eastern projects; Orascom Construction Industries, Egypt's leading cement and construction companies with strong project growth in the Middle East, Pakistan and Algeria; and Barloworld Ltd., which we believe is poised to benefit South Africa's infrastructure program. Recent visits to the Gulf and the subcontinent have reinforced the validity of this investment thesis, and we will continue to monitor this area for various investment opportunitites.
5 The GCC consists of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.Q: Do you have any closing thoughts for investors?
A: The first quarter of 2007 proved to be one of the most volatile in quite some time for the global financial markets. Monetary tightening in China and slower growth in the US weighed on markets and brought a quick reduction in investors' risk appetites. But as the dust settled investors again focused on company fundamentals, and markets subsequently recovered much of their losses. We believe this underscores the firm foundation that continues to support emerging-market equities. Global growth remains solid, and growth in emerging markets continues to be robust. During the fourth quarter of 2006, the US economy grew 2.2%, compared with 4.8% for Japan, 3.6% for Europe, 10% in China and 9% in India. We also saw 8%-10% GDP growth in many of the Gulf markets. This strong fundamental backdrop, in conjunction with the wealth of companies that are delivering strong earnings and trading at reasonable valuations, should continue to provide a firm long-term underpinning for the asset class.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. The managers' views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Portfolio Summary April 30, 2007
Geographical Diversification (Excludes Securities Lending Collateral and Cash Equivalents) | 4/30/07 | 10/31/06 |
|
|
|
Pacific Basin | 46% | 45% |
Latin America | 20% | 21% |
Europe | 17% | 18% |
Africa | 10% | 9% |
Other | 7% | 7% |
| 100% | 100% |
Sector Diversification (As a % of Common and Preferred Stocks) | 4/30/07 | 10/31/06 |
|
|
|
Financials | 20% | 21% |
Information Technology | 15% | 14% |
Energy | 15% | 17% |
Consumer Discretionary | 13% | 12% |
Telecommunication Services | 13% | 14% |
Industrials | 10% | 8% |
Materials | 8% | 6% |
Consumer Staples | 3% | 4% |
Health Care | 2% | 3% |
Other | 1% | 1% |
| 100% | 100% |
Geographical and sector diversification are subject to change.
Ten Largest Equity Holdings at April 30, 2007 (24.4% of Net Assets) | ||
1. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Manufacturer of electronic parts | Korea | 3.4% |
2. OAO Gazprom Extracts, transports and sells natural gas | Russia | 3.3% |
3. America Movil SAB de CV Provider of wireless communications services | Mexico | 3.1% |
4. Petroleo Brasileiro SA Provider and distributor of petroleum | Brazil | 2.8% |
5. Kookmin Bank Provider of commercial banking services | Korea | 2.5% |
6. Companhia Vale do Rio Doce Operator of diverse mining and industrial complex | Brazil | 2.3% |
7. China Mobile Ltd. Provider of cellular telecommunication services | Hong Kong | 2.0% |
8. Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Manufacturer of electronic products | Taiwan | 1.8% |
9. NHN Corp. Provides Internet site with web portal services | Korea | 1.6% |
10. Bharti Airtel Ltd. Provides telecommunications services throughout India | India | 1.6% |
Portfolio holdings are subject to change.
For more complete details about the Fund's investment portfolio, see page 20. A quarterly Fact Sheet is available upon request. Information concerning portfolio holdings of the Fund as of month end will be posted to www.dws-scudder.com on or after the last day of the following month. In addition, the Fund's top ten holdings and other information about the Fund is posted on www.dws-scudder.com as of the calendar quarter-end on or after the 15th day following quarter-end. Please see the Account Management Resources section for contact information.
Following the Fund's fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete portfolio holdings listing is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. The form will be available on the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov, and it also may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Investment Portfolio as of April 30, 2007 (Unaudited)
|
| Value ($) |
|
| |
Common Stocks 98.1% | ||
Argentina 1.0% | ||
Banco Macro SA (ADR) | 62,600 | 2,266,120 |
Pampa Holding SA (GDR), 144A* | 40,800 | 917,818 |
(Cost $2,590,961) | 3,183,938 | |
Austria 0.6% | ||
Erste Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG (Cost $1,475,174) | 24,900 | 1,997,015 |
Bermuda 0.6% | ||
Dufry South America Ltd. (BDR)*(Cost $1,785,178) | 108,800 | 2,062,331 |
Brazil 12.7% | ||
Banco Bradesco SA (ADR) (Preferred) (a) | 119,400 | 2,533,668 |
Bematech Industria e Comercio de Equipamentos Eletronicos SA* | 199,200 | 1,597,641 |
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (ADR) (Preferred) (a) | 221,900 | 7,586,761 |
Diagnosticos da America SA | 66,400 | 1,438,432 |
Gafisa SA | 128,300 | 1,807,861 |
Gol-Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA (ADR) (Preferred) (a) | 70,400 | 2,007,808 |
GVT Holding SA* | 117,200 | 1,482,960 |
Lojas Renner SA | 145,600 | 2,060,952 |
Lupatech SA | 142,100 | 2,690,042 |
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (ADR) | 90,700 | 9,181,561 |
Santos-Brasil SA (Unit) | 279,700 | 3,442,716 |
Unibanco-Uniao de Bancos Brasileiros SA (GDR) | 48,600 | 4,717,116 |
Wilson Sons Ltd. (BDR)* | 76,000 | 898,036 |
(Cost $34,149,093) | 41,445,554 | |
Canada 0.2% | ||
Coalcorp Mining, Inc.*(Cost $704,918) | 1,242,000 | 772,124 |
Chile 0.6% | ||
Inversiones Aguas Metropolitanas SA (ADR) 144A(Cost $1,540,580) | 73,000 | 1,804,083 |
China 3.6% | ||
China Coal Energy Co. "H"* | 2,889,000 | 2,825,188 |
China Communications Construction Co., Ltd. "H"* | 879,000 | 1,137,930 |
China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. "H"* | 901,000 | 2,201,747 |
China Molybdenum Co., Ltd. "H" 144A* | 9,400 | 14,997 |
Focus Media Holding Ltd. (ADR)* (a) | 87,600 | 3,241,200 |
PetroChina Co., Ltd. "H" | 344,000 | 386,174 |
PetroChina Co., Ltd. (ADR) | 7,200 | 807,408 |
Sunshine Holdings Ltd. | 3,601,000 | 998,809 |
(Cost $9,698,660) | 11,613,453 | |
Czech Republic 0.8% | ||
Zentiva NV (Cost $2,106,807) | 38,321 | 2,763,128 |
Egypt 1.8% | ||
Commercial International Bank | 145,545 | 1,512,373 |
Orascom Construction Industries | 42,088 | 2,427,703 |
Orascom Hotels & Development* | 228,042 | 1,873,917 |
(Cost $4,711,973) | 5,813,993 | |
Hong Kong 4.4% | ||
China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) | 146,900 | 6,611,969 |
China Properties Group Ltd.* | 828,900 | 312,943 |
China Yurun Food Group Ltd. | 1,646,000 | 1,892,074 |
CNOOC Ltd. | 2,457,400 | 2,113,307 |
Norstar Founders Group Ltd. | 4,667,100 | 2,072,635 |
Samson Holding Ltd. | 2,680,000 | 1,359,174 |
(Cost $11,830,531) | 14,362,102 | |
Hungary 1.1% | ||
MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Nyrt.(Cost $2,966,754) | 28,700 | 3,498,164 |
India 4.1% | ||
Bharti Airtel Ltd.* | 259,600 | 5,117,946 |
Infosys Technologies Ltd. | 63,000 | 3,124,127 |
Reliance Industries Ltd. | 95,000 | 3,581,490 |
Sintex Industries Ltd. | 284,835 | 1,394,845 |
(Cost $7,789,942) | 13,218,408 | |
Indonesia 2.8% | ||
PT Astra International Tbk | 1,040,500 | 1,633,939 |
PT Bank Mandiri | 12,299,900 | 4,104,414 |
PT Indosat Tbk | 605,800 | 448,461 |
PT Indosat Tbk (ADR) (a) | 80,200 | 2,956,172 |
(Cost $7,045,847) | 9,142,986 | |
Israel 2.4% | ||
Elbit Systems Ltd. | 54,800 | 2,225,787 |
NICE Systems Ltd. (ADR)* | 64,000 | 2,345,600 |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (ADR) | 88,600 | 3,394,266 |
(Cost $6,234,109) | 7,965,653 | |
Kazakhstan 0.9% | ||
KazMunaiGas Exploration Production (GDR) 144A*(Cost $2,160,091) | 136,500 | 2,825,550 |
Korea 15.4% | ||
Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd. | 25,735 | 3,013,428 |
Hyundai Department Store Co., Ltd. | 25,700 | 2,634,631 |
Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. | 12,200 | 2,460,270 |
Hyundai Mobis | 23,800 | 1,903,816 |
JVM Co., Ltd. | 20,236 | 1,039,051 |
Kangwon Land, Inc. | 81,700 | 1,686,145 |
Kookmin Bank (ADR) | 89,600 | 8,047,872 |
NHN Corp.* | 33,700 | 5,264,693 |
POSCO (ADR) (a) | 36,200 | 3,791,588 |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 18,320 | 11,218,171 |
Samsung Engineering Co., Ltd. | 40,000 | 2,940,349 |
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. | 63,200 | 3,557,101 |
Woori Investment & Securities Co., Ltd. | 110,700 | 2,558,455 |
(Cost $41,274,256) | 50,115,570 | |
Luxembourg 1.4% | ||
Millicom International Cellular SA* (a) | 27,700 | 2,250,625 |
Tenaris SA (ADR) | 52,700 | 2,443,172 |
(Cost $2,953,545) | 4,693,797 | |
Malaysia 2.8% | ||
Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd. | 482,800 | 1,831,939 |
Resorts World Bhd. | 2,888,000 | 2,736,384 |
Steppe Cement Ltd.* | 211,985 | 1,234,781 |
Telekom Malaysia Bhd. | 1,101,500 | 3,456,354 |
(Cost $6,868,604) | 9,259,458 | |
Mexico 5.1% | ||
America Movil SAB de CV "L" (ADR) | 190,400 | 10,001,712 |
Grupo FAMSA SAB "A"* | 570,400 | 3,437,431 |
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV "O" | 749,400 | 3,257,785 |
(Cost $9,051,904) | 16,696,928 | |
Morocco 0.7% | ||
ONA SA (Cost $1,600,420) | 10,800 | 2,326,627 |
Pakistan 0.8% | ||
Adamjee Insurance Co., Ltd. | 485,000 | 1,890,373 |
MCB Bank Ltd. (GDR) 144A | 35,650 | 685,549 |
(Cost $2,224,658) | 2,575,922 | |
Philippines 1.3% | ||
Filinvest Land, Inc.* | 32,086,000 | 1,177,109 |
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. | 1,434,620 | 1,865,608 |
SM Investments Corp. | 169,200 | 1,255,254 |
(Cost $3,624,869) | 4,297,971 | |
Russia 9.3% | ||
Far Eastern Shipping Co.* | 2,911,947 | 1,670,730 |
Integra Group Holdings (GDR)* | 76,700 | 1,609,933 |
LUKOIL (ADR) | 50,200 | 3,930,660 |
Magnitogorsk (GDR) (REG S)* | 103,300 | 1,306,745 |
Novolipetsk Steel (GDR) 144A | 87,808 | 2,458,624 |
OAO Gazprom (ADR) | 24,338 | 969,869 |
OAO Gazprom (ADR) (REG S) | 250,897 | 9,837,284 |
OAO Magnit* | 26,422 | 1,228,623 |
OAO Vimpel-Communications (ADR)* (a) | 25,300 | 2,448,028 |
X5 Retail Group NV (GDR) (REG S)* | 23,400 | 713,700 |
X5 Retail Group NV (GDR) 144A* | 131,100 | 3,998,550 |
(Cost $25,462,679) | 30,172,746 | |
Singapore 0.7% | ||
Olam International Ltd.(Cost $2,137,875) | 1,075,100 | 2,219,171 |
South Africa 7.3% | ||
Anglo Platinum Ltd. | 14,700 | 2,364,108 |
Barloworld Ltd. | 65,100 | 1,807,585 |
Gold Fields Ltd. | 272,800 | 4,914,304 |
MTN Group Ltd. | 253,800 | 3,703,016 |
Naspers Ltd. "N" | 178,100 | 4,495,757 |
Steinhoff International Holdings Ltd. | 797,200 | 2,811,608 |
Truworths International Ltd. | 638,000 | 3,529,756 |
(Cost $20,628,376) | 23,626,134 | |
Taiwan 9.6% | ||
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc.* | 1,352,000 | 1,553,229 |
Asustek Computer, Inc. | 1,231,100 | 2,807,625 |
Cathay Financial Holding Co., Ltd. | 956,808 | 1,936,918 |
Chungwha Telecom Co., Ltd. | 968,666 | 1,824,935 |
Delta Electronics, Inc. | 637,500 | 1,989,926 |
Farglory Developers Co., Ltd. | 1,435,700 | 2,368,430 |
Fuhwa Financial Holding Co., Ltd.* | 4,851,351 | 2,089,145 |
High Tech Computer Corp. | 133,400 | 1,986,579 |
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | 895,887 | 5,903,392 |
Inventec Co., Ltd. | 1,816,000 | 1,335,679 |
Siliconware Precision Industries Co. | 1,566,531 | 2,975,958 |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (ADR) | 226,400 | 2,386,256 |
Yageo Corp.* | 5,651,000 | 2,225,096 |
(Cost $31,758,345) | 31,383,168 | |
Thailand 2.5% | ||
Bangkok Bank PCL (Foreign Registered) | 1,448,600 | 4,675,165 |
Central Pattana PCL (Foreign Registered) | 1,441,000 | 1,108,461 |
Krung Thai Bank PCL (Foreign Registered) | 5,294,100 | 1,650,879 |
TISCO Bank PCL (Foreign Registered) | 1,119,600 | 720,986 |
(Cost $7,364,811) | 8,155,491 | |
Turkey 2.0% | ||
Tupras-Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AS | 131,600 | 2,667,309 |
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS (Unit) | 796,700 | 3,843,500 |
Turkiye Is Bankasi "C" | 1 | 4 |
(Cost $5,192,917) | 6,510,813 | |
United Kingdom 0.7% | ||
Lonmin PLC (Cost $1,928,093) | 36,500 | 2,387,486 |
United Arab Emirates 0.9% | ||
Emaar Properties (Cost $3,349,295) | 995,101 | 2,912,542 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $262,211,265) | 319,802,306 | |
| ||
Warrants 0.5% | ||
Pakistan | ||
MCB Bank Ltd., 144A, Expiration Date 1/20/2010* (Cost $1,263,373) | 333,730 | 1,630,605 |
| ||
Preferred Stocks 0.9% | ||
Brazil | ||
Net Servicos de Comunicacao SA* (Cost $1,701,852) | 193,943 | 2,969,636 |
| ||
Rights 0.0% | ||
Brazil 0.0% | ||
Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes* (Cost $0) | 5,597 | 0 |
Thailand 0.0% | ||
True Corp. PCL* (Cost $0) | 324,062 | 0 |
Total Rights (Cost $0) | 0 | |
| ||
Securities Lending Collateral 6.1% | ||
Daily Assets Fund Institutional, 5.33% (b) (c) (Cost $19,837,841) | 19,837,841 | 19,837,841 |
| ||
Cash Equivalents 1.0% | ||
Cash Management QP Trust, 5.31% (b) (Cost $3,133,906) | 3,133,906 | 3,133,906 |
| % of Net Assets | Value ($) |
|
| |
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $288,148,237)+ | 106.6 | 347,374,294 |
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net | (6.6) | (21,601,753) |
Net Assets | 100.0 | 325,772,541 |
+ The cost for federal income tax purposes was $288,237,510. At April 30, 2007, net unrealized appreciation for all securities based on tax cost was $59,136,784. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $64,124,290 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value of $4,987,506.
(a) All or a portion of these securities were on loan (see Notes to Financial Statements). The value of all securities loaned at April 30, 2007 amounted to $19,254,348 which is 5.9% of net assets.
(b) Affiliated fund managed by Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield at period end.
(c) Represents collateral held in connection with securities lending.
144A: Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
ADR: American Depositary Receipt
BDR: Bearer Depositary Receipt
GDR: Global Depositary Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 2007 (Unaudited) | |
Assets | |
Investments: Investments in securities, at value (cost $265,176,490) — including $19,254,348 of securities loaned | $ 324,402,547 |
Investment in Cash Management QP Trust (cost $3,133,906) | 3,133,906 |
Investment in Daily Assets Fund Institutional (Cost $19,837,841)* | 19,837,841 |
Total investments in securities, at value (cost $288,148,237) | 347,374,294 |
Cash | 1,790,217 |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $246,689) | 246,192 |
Receivable for investments sold | 7,736,338 |
Dividends receivable | 546,388 |
Interest receivable | 13,589 |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 229,714 |
Foreign taxes recoverable | 124,381 |
Other assets | 37,985 |
Total assets | 358,099,098 |
Liabilities | |
Payable for investments purchased | 10,512,199 |
Payable upon return of securities loaned | 19,837,841 |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 1,300,237 |
Deferred foreign taxes payable | 169,649 |
Accrued management fee | 267,423 |
Other accrued expenses and payables | 239,208 |
Total liabilities | 32,326,557 |
Net assets, at value | $ 325,772,541 |
Net Assets | |
Net assets consist of: Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income | (218,099) |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: Investments (net of deferred foreign taxes of $169,649) | 59,056,408 |
Foreign currency related transactions | 6,146 |
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | 31,115,036 |
Paid-in capital | 235,813,050 |
Net assets, at value | $ 325,772,541 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of April 30, 2007 (Unaudited) (continued) | |
Net Asset Value | |
Class A Net Asset Value and redemption price(a) per share ($101,932,973 ÷ 4,491,232 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized) | $ 22.70 |
Maximum offering price per share (100 ÷ 94.25 of $22.70) | $ 24.08 |
Class B Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price(a) (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($6,192,900 ÷ 288,748 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized) | $ 21.45 |
Class C Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price(a) (subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share ($13,004,371 ÷ 604,317 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized) | $ 21.52 |
Class S Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price(a) per share ($204,642,297 ÷ 8,926,855 shares of capital stock outstanding, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized) | $ 22.92 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Operations for the six months ended April 30, 2007 (Unaudited) | |
Investment Income | |
Income: Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $319,073) | $ 2,409,436 |
Interest — Cash Management QP Trust | 33,683 |
Securities lending income, including income from Daily Assets Fund Institutional, net of borrower rebates | 27,468 |
Interest | 12,893 |
Total Income | 2,483,480 |
Expenses: Management fee | 1,616,077 |
Administration fee | 160,109 |
Services to shareholders | 279,246 |
Custodian fee | 236,520 |
Distribution service fees | 207,072 |
Auditing | 44,865 |
Legal | 22,095 |
Directors' fees and expenses | 7,225 |
Reports to shareholders | 33,647 |
Registration fees | 31,190 |
Other | 84,152 |
Total expenses before expense reductions | 2,722,198 |
Expense reductions | (27,000) |
Total expenses after expense reductions | 2,695,198 |
Net investment income (loss) | (211,718) |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Transactions | |
Net realized gain (loss) from: Investments (net of foreign taxes of $13,197) | 31,866,453 |
Foreign currency related transactions (including foreign taxes of $209) | (163,055) |
| 31,703,398 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) during the period on: Investments (including deferred foreign tax credit of $115,449) | 19,089,483 |
Foreign currency related transactions | 2,893 |
| 19,092,376 |
Net gain (loss) on investment transactions | 50,795,774 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $ 50,584,056 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | ||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | Six Months Ended April 30, 2007 (Unaudited) | Year Ended October 31, 2006 |
Operations: Net investment income (loss) | $ (211,718) | $ 1,163,992 |
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions | 31,703,398 | 77,512,975 |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) during the period on investment transactions | 19,092,376 | (3,205,584) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 50,584,056 | 75,471,383 |
Distributions to shareholders: Net investment income: Class A | (103,785) | — |
Class S | (758,254) | — |
Net realized gains: Class A | (23,073,468) | (6,882,331) |
Class B | (1,597,328) | (343,936) |
Class C | (3,118,397) | (701,456) |
Class AARP | — | (885,264) |
Class S | (49,709,434) | (10,375,182) |
Fund share transactions: Proceeds from shares sold | 26,166,898 | 81,264,700 |
Net assets acquired in tax-free reorganization | — | 137,847,772 |
Reinvestment of distributions | 66,277,796 | 16,645,469 |
Cost of shares redeemed | (48,325,927) | (215,503,881) |
Redemption fees | 5,960 | 20,013 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share transactions | 44,124,727 | 20,274,073 |
Increase (decrease) in net assets | 16,348,117 | 76,557,287 |
Net assets at beginning of period | 309,424,424 | 232,867,137 |
Net assets at end of period (including accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income and undistributed net investment income of $218,099 and $855,658, respectively) | $ 325,772,541 | $ 309,424,424 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
Class A Years Ended October 31, | 2007a | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 25.35 | $ 20.26 | $ 15.61 | $ 13.25 | $ 8.69 | $ 8.28 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)b | (.02) | .06e | .10 | .08 | .04 | (.04) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | 3.83 | 6.67 | 4.63 | 2.29 | 4.52 | .45 |
Total from investment operations | 3.81 | 6.73 | 4.73 | 2.37 | 4.56 | .41 |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.03) | — | (.08) | (.02) | — | — |
Net realized gains on investment transactions | (6.43) | (1.64) | — | — | — | — |
Total distributions | (6.46) | (1.64) | (.08) | (.02) | — | — |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .01 | .00*** | .00*** |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 22.70 | $ 25.35 | $ 20.26 | $ 15.61 | $ 13.25 | $ 8.69 |
Total Return (%)c | 17.19** | 34.49d,e | 30.48d | 18.00d | 52.47d | 4.95 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 102 | 90 | 84 | 49 | 16 | 8 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.75* | 1.93 | 2.05 | 2.06 | 2.19 | 2.18 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.75* | 1.92 | 1.98 | 1.99 | 2.16 | 2.18 |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) | (.19)* | .26e | .59 | .56 | .38 | (.57) |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 86* | 145 | 126 | 146 | 182 | 115 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2007 (Unaudited). b Based on average shares outstanding during the period. c Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. d Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. e Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation practices in connection with sales of DWS Scudder Funds (see Note G). The non-recurring income resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.00035 per share and an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.001%. Excluding this non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.001% lower. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Class B Years Ended October 31, | 2007a | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 24.34 | $ 19.66 | $ 15.20 | $ 12.98 | $ 8.58 | $ 8.25 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)b | (.11) | (.12)e | (.03) | (.02) | (.04) | (.12) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | 3.65 | 6.44 | 4.49 | 2.23 | 4.44 | .45 |
Total from investment operations | 3.54 | 6.32 | 4.46 | 2.21 | 4.40 | .33 |
Less distributions from: Net realized gains on investment transactions | (6.43) | (1.64) | — | — | — | — |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .01 | .00*** | .00*** |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 21.45 | $ 24.34 | $ 19.66 | $ 15.20 | $ 12.98 | $ 8.58 |
Total Return (%)c | 16.64** | 33.44d,e | 29.34d | 17.10d | 51.28d | 4.00 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 6 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | .64 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 2.65* | 2.89 | 3.03 | 2.91 | 2.97 | 2.98 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 2.65* | 2.79 | 2.76 | 2.75 | 2.93 | 2.98 |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) | (1.09)* | (.61)e | (.19) | (.20) | (.39) | (1.37) |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 86* | 145 | 126 | 146 | 182 | 115 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2007 (Unaudited). b Based on average shares outstanding during the period. c Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. d Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. e Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation practices in connection with sales of DWS Scudder Funds (see Note G). The non-recurring income resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.00035 per share and an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.001%. Excluding this non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.001% lower. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Class C Years Ended October 31, | 2007a | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 24.39 | $ 19.70 | $ 15.23 | $ 13.01 | $ 8.60 | $ 8.26 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)b | (.10) | (.11)e | (.03) | (.02) | (.04) | (.12) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | 3.66 | 6.44 | 4.50 | 2.23 | 4.45 | .46 |
Total from investment operations | 3.56 | 6.33 | 4.47 | 2.21 | 4.41 | .34 |
Less distributions from: Net realized gains on investment transactions | (6.43) | (1.64) | — | — | — | — |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .01 | .00*** | .00*** |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 21.52 | $ 24.39 | $ 19.70 | $ 15.23 | $ 13.01 | $ 8.60 |
Total Return (%)c | 16.75** | 33.43d,e | 29.35d | 17.06d | 51.28d | 4.12 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 13 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 2.56* | 2.77 | 2.89 | 2.86 | 2.95 | 2.96 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 2.56* | 2.73 | 2.75 | 2.76 | 2.92 | 2.96 |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) | (1.00)* | (.55)e | (.18) | (.21) | (.38) | (1.35) |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 86* | 145 | 126 | 146 | 182 | 115 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2007 (Unaudited). b Based on average shares outstanding during the period. c Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges. d Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. e Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation practices in connection with sales of DWS Scudder Funds (see Note G). The non-recurring income resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.00035 per share and an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.001%. Excluding this non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.001% lower. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Class S Years Ended October 31, | 2007a | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 |
Selected Per Share Data | ||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ 25.58 | $ 20.38 | $ 15.71 | $ 13.34 | $ 8.73 | $ 8.29 |
Income (loss) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss)b | (.00)*** | .12d | .14 | .11 | .07 | (.03) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions | 3.87 | 6.72 | 4.66 | 2.31 | 4.54 | .47 |
Total from investment operations | 3.87 | 6.84 | 4.80 | 2.42 | 4.61 | .44 |
Less distributions from: Net investment income | (.10) | — | (.13) | (.06) | — | — |
Net realized gains on investment transactions | (6.43) | (1.64) | — | — | — | — |
Total distributions | (6.53) | (1.64) | (.13) | (.06) | — | — |
Redemption fees | .00*** | .00*** | .00*** | .01 | .00*** | .00*** |
Net asset value, end of period | $ 22.92 | $ 25.58 | $ 20.38 | $ 15.71 | $ 13.34 | $ 8.73 |
Total Return (%) | 17.29c** | 34.90c,d | 30.67c | 18.34c | 52.81c | 5.31 |
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data | ||||||
Net assets, end of period ($ millions) | 205 | 202 | 128 | 89 | 65 | 38 |
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions (%) | 1.60* | 1.76 | 1.89 | 1.93 | 1.92 | 1.91 |
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions (%) | 1.57* | 1.67 | 1.76 | 1.76 | 1.90 | 1.91 |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) | (.01)* | .51d | .81 | .79 | .64 | (.30) |
Portfolio turnover rate (%) | 86* | 145 | 126 | 146 | 182 | 115 |
a For the six months ended April 30, 2007 (Unaudited). b Based on average shares outstanding during the period. c Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced. d Includes non-recurring income from the Advisor recorded as a result of an administrative proceeding regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation practices in connection with sales of DWS Scudder Funds (see Note G). The non-recurring income resulted in an increase in net investment income of $0.00035 per share and an increase in the ratio of net investment income of 0.001%. Excluding this non-recurring income, total return would have been 0.001% lower. * Annualized ** Not annualized *** Amount is less than $.005. |
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
A. Significant Accounting Policies
DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified series of DWS International Fund, Inc. (the "Corporation"), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Maryland Corporation.
The Fund offers multiple classes of shares which provide investors with different purchase options. Class A shares are offered to investors subject to an initial sales charge. Class B shares are offered to investors without an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions. Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares six years after issuance. Class C shares are offered to investors without an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within one year of purchase. Class C shares do not convert into another class. Class S shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are generally not available to new investors except under certain circumstances.
Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses and expense reductions, if any, are borne pro rata on the basis of relative net assets by the holders of all classes of shares, except that each class bears certain expenses unique to that class such as distribution service fees, services to shareholders and certain other class-specific expenses. Differences in class-level expenses may result in payment of different per share dividends by class. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting subject to class-specific arrangements.
The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading. Equity securities are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price reported on the exchange (US or foreign) or over-the-counter market on which the security is traded most extensively. Securities for which no sales are reported are valued at the calculated mean between the most recent bid and asked quotations on the relevant market or, if a mean cannot be determined, at the most recent bid quotation.
Money market instruments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less, maturing at par, are valued at amortized cost. Investments in open-end investment companies and Cash Management QP Trust are valued at their net asset value each business day.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Directors. The Fund may use a fair valuation model to value international equity securities in order to adjust for events which may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the New York Stock Exchange.
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("FAS 157"). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. As of April 30, 2007, management does not believe the adoption of FAS 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures will be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements of fair value and the effect of certain of the measurements reported in the statement of operations for a fiscal period.
Securities Lending. The Fund may lend securities to financial institutions. The Fund retains beneficial ownership of the securities it has loaned and continues to receive interest and dividends paid by the issuer of securities and to participate in any changes in their market value. The Fund requires the borrowers of the securities to maintain collateral with the Fund consisting of liquid, unencumbered assets having a value at least equal to the value of the securities loaned. The Fund may invest the cash collateral into a joint trading account in an affiliated money market fund pursuant to Exemptive Orders issued by the SEC. The Fund receives compensation for lending its securities either in the form of fees or by earning interest on invested cash collateral net of borrower rebates and fees paid to a lending agent. Either the Fund or the borrower may terminate the loan. The Fund is subject to all investment risks associated with the value of any cash collateral received, including, but not limited to, interest rate, credit and liquidity risk associated with such investments.
Foreign Currency Translations. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in US dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into US dollars at the prevailing exchange rates at period end. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated into US dollars at the prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of the transactions.
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent net gains and losses between trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the disposition of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign currencies, and the difference between the amount of net investment income accrued and the US dollar amount actually received. That portion of both realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed but is included with net realized and unrealized gain/appreciation and loss/depreciation on investments.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A forward foreign currency exchange contract ("forward currency contract") is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at the settlement date at a negotiated rate. The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign currency denominated portfolio holdings and to facilitate transactions in foreign currency denominated securities. The Fund may also engage in forward currency contracts for non-hedging purposes.
Forward currency contracts are valued at the prevailing forward exchange rate of the underlying currencies and unrealized gain (loss) is recorded daily. Sales and purchases of forward currency contracts having the same settlement date and broker are offset and any gain (loss) is realized on the date of offset; otherwise, gain (loss) is realized on settlement date. Realized and unrealized gains and losses which represent the difference between the value of a forward currency contract to buy and a forward currency contract to sell are included in net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency related transactions.
Certain risks may arise upon entering into forward currency contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. Additionally, when utilizing forward currency contracts to hedge, the Fund gives up the opportunity to profit from favorable exchange rate movements during the term of the contract.
Taxes. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Accordingly, the Fund paid no federal income taxes and no federal income tax provision was required.
Additionally, based on the Fund's understanding of the tax rules and rates related to income, gains and transactions for the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests, the Fund will provide for foreign taxes, and where appropriate, deferred foreign taxes.
In July 2006, FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" (the "Interpretation"). The Interpretation establishes for the Fund a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of positions taken in filing tax returns (including whether the Fund is taxable in certain jurisdictions), and requires certain expanded tax disclosures. The Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. On December 22, 2006, the SEC indicated that they would not object if a Fund implements FIN 48 in the first required financial statement reporting period for its fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. Management has begun to evaluate the application of the Interpretation to the Fund and is not in a position at this time to estimate the significance of its impact, if any, on the Fund's financial statements.
Distribution of Income and Gains. Net investment income of the Fund, if any, is declared and distributed to shareholders annually. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to investments in foreign denominated investments, investments in passive foreign investment companies, recognition of certain foreign currency gains (losses) as ordinary income (loss) and certain securities sold at a loss. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
Redemption Fees. For the period from November 1, 2006 through March 11, 2007, the redemption or exchange of shares held for less than 30 days was assessed a fee of 2% of the total amount redeemed or exchanged. Effective March 12, 2007, the Fund imposes a redemption fee of 2% of the total redemption amount on all Fund shares redeemed or exchanged within 15 days of buying them, either by purchase or exchange. This fee is assessed and retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders. The redemption fee is accounted for as an addition to paid-in capital.
Expenses. Expenses of the Corporation arising in connection with a specific fund are allocated to that fund. Other Corporation expenses which cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among the funds in the Corporation.
Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment security transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date net of foreign withholding taxes. Certain dividends from foreign securities may be recorded subsequent to the ex-dividend date as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis.
B. Purchases and Sales of Securities
During the six months ended April 30, 2007, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $137,185,101 and $168,540,227, respectively.
C. Related Parties
Management Agreement. Under the Investment Management Agreement with Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG, the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement with the Advisor, the Fund pays a monthly investment management fee based on the Fund's average daily net assets accrued daily and payable monthly, at the following annual rates:
First $250 million of the Fund's average daily net assets | 1.015% |
Next $500 million of such net assets | .990% |
Over $750 million of such net assets | .965% |
Accordingly, for the six months ended April 30, 2007, the fee pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement was equivalent to an annualized effective rate of 1.01% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
For the period from November 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating expenses of the Fund (excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage, interest, proxy and organizational and offering expenses) to the extent necessary to maintain the operating expenses of each class as follows:
Class B | 2.74% |
Class C | 2.74% |
For the period from November 1, 2006 through April 13, 2009, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fee and reimburse or pay certain operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the operating expenses of Class S Shares at 1.55% of average daily net assets (excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage, interest and organizational and offering expenses).
Administration Fee. Pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement with DIMA, the Advisor provides most administrative services to the Fund. For all services provided under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee ("Administration Fee") of 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. For the six months ended April 30, 2007, the Advisor received an Administration Fee of $160,109, of which $27,095 is unpaid.
Service Provider Fees. DWS Scudder Investments Service Company ("DWS-SISC"), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the Fund's transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent for Class A, B and C shares of the Fund. DWS Scudder Service Corporation ("DWS-SSC"), an affiliate of the Advisor, was the Fund's transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent for Class S shares of the Fund. Effective April 1, 2007, DWS-SSC merged with DWS-SISC. The Board of the Fund approved a new transfer agency agreement between the Fund and DWS-SISC. The new transfer agency agreement is identical in substance to the previous transfer agency agreement for the Fund, except for the named transfer agent. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement among DWS-SISC, DWS-SSC (through March 31, 2007) and DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), DWS-SISC and DWS-SSC compensate DST out of the shareholder servicing fee they receive from the Fund. For the six months ended April 30, 2007, the amounts charged to the Fund by DWS-SISC and DWS-SSC (through March 31, 2007) were as follows:
Services to Shareholders | Total Aggregated | Waived | Unpaid at April 30, 2007 |
Class A | $ 43,472 | — | $ 30,232 |
Class B | 5,944 | — | 3,395 |
Class C | 8,332 | — | 3,582 |
Class S | 146,115 | 27,000 | — |
| $ 203,863 | $ 27,000 | $ 37,209 |
Distribution Service Agreement. Under the Distribution Service Agreement, in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. ("DWS-SDI"), an affiliate of the Advisor, receives a fee ("Distribution Fee") of 0.75% of average daily net assets of Class B and C shares. Pursuant to the agreement, DWS-SDI enters into related selling group agreements with various firms at various rates for sales of Class B and C shares. For the six months ended April 30, 2007, the Distribution Fee was as follows:
Distribution Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at April 30, 2007 |
Class B | $ 23,647 | $ 3,759 |
Class C | 47,538 | 7,873 |
| $ 71,185 | $ 11,632 |
In addition, DWS-SDI provides information and administrative services for a fee ("Service Fee") to Class A, B and C shareholders at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets for each such class. DWS-SDI in turn has various agreements with financial services firms that provide these services and pays these fees based upon the assets of shareholder accounts the firms service. For the six months ended April 30, 2007, the Service Fee was as follows:
Service Fee | Total Aggregated | Unpaid at April 30, 2007 | Annualized Effective Rate |
Class A | $ 113,523 | $ 37,707 | .24% |
Class B | 7,434 | 2,717 | .24% |
Class C | 14,930 | 5,540 | .24% |
| $ 135,887 | $ 45,964 |
|
Underwriting Agreement and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. DWS-SDI is the principal underwriter for the Fund. Underwriting commissions paid in connection with the distribution of Class A shares for the six months ended April 30, 2007, aggregated $15,052.
In addition, DWS-SDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") from Class B share redemptions occurring within six years of purchase and Class C share redemptions occurring within one year of purchase. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends. The CDSC is based on declining rates ranging from 4% to 1% for Class B and 1% for Class C, of the value of the shares redeemed. For the six months ended April 30, 2007, the CDSC for Class B and Class C shares aggregated $6,494 and $2,389, respectively. A deferred sales charge of up to 1% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares. For the six months ended April 30, 2007, SDI received $1,800 for Class A shares.
Typesetting and Filing Service Fees. Under an agreement with DIMA, DIMA is compensated for providing typesetting and certain regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the six months ended April 30, 2007, the amount charged to the Fund by DIMA included in the Statement of Operations under "reports to shareholders" aggregated $7,240, of which $5,324 is unpaid.
Directors' Fees and Expenses. As compensation for his or her services, each Independent Director receives an aggregated annual fee, plus a fee for each meeting attended (plus reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with his or her attendance at board and committee meetings) from each fund in the Fund Complex for which he or she serves. In addition, the Chairperson of the Board and the Chairperson of each committee of the Board receive additional compensation for their services. Payment of such fees and expenses is allocated among all such funds described above in direct proportion to their relative net assets.
Cash Management QP Trust. Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the SEC, the Fund may invest in the Cash Management QP Trust (the "QP Trust") and other affiliated funds managed by the Advisor. The QP Trust seeks to provide as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity. The QP Trust does not pay the Advisor a management fee for the affiliated funds' investments in the QP Trust.
D. Investing in Emerging Markets
Investing in emerging markets may involve special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in the United States of America. These risks include revaluation of currencies, high rates of inflation, repatriation restrictions on income and capital, and future adverse political, social and economic developments. Moreover, securities issued in these markets may be less liquid, subject to government ownership controls or delayed settlements and may have prices more volatile than those of comparable securities of issuers in the United States of America.
E. Line of Credit
The Fund and other affiliated funds (the "Participants") share in a $750 million revolving credit facility administered by JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee which is allocated, based upon net assets, among each of the Participants. Interest is calculated at the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.35 percent. The Fund may borrow up to a maximum of 25 percent of its net assets under the agreement.
F. Share Transactions
The following table summarizes share and dollar activity in the Fund:
| Six Months Ended April 30, 2007 | Year Ended October 31, 2006 | ||
| Shares | Dollars | Shares | Dollars |
Shares sold | ||||
Class A | 502,193 | $ 11,571,327 | 1,179,390 | $ 27,572,188 |
Class B | 44,888 | 974,717 | 163,307 | 3,688,512 |
Class C | 88,816 | 1,901,292 | 246,012 | 5,557,632 |
Class AARP* | — | — | 297,116 | 6,993,087 |
Class S | 501,298 | 11,719,562 | 1,608,168 | 37,453,281 |
|
| $ 26,166,898 |
| $ 81,264,700 |
Shares issued in tax-free reorganization | ||||
Class S | — | $ — | 5,580,758 | $ 137,847,772 |
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends | ||||
Class A | 952,329 | $ 19,941,768 | 245,257 | $ 5,277,856 |
Class B | 71,452 | 1,418,339 | 14,599 | 303,661 |
Class C | 138,572 | 2,758,978 | 28,349 | 590,799 |
Class AARP* | — | — | 38,026 | 824,422 |
Class S | 1,994,227 | 42,158,711 | 445,463 | 9,648,731 |
|
| $ 66,277,796 |
| $ 16,645,469 |
Shares redeemed | ||||
Class A | (500,063) | $ (11,091,258) | (2,023,662) | $ (47,346,884) |
Class B | (81,203) | (1,740,417) | (125,656) | (2,818,099) |
Class C | (113,817) | (2,431,764) | (170,045) | (3,788,497) |
Class AARP* | — | — | (218,969) | (5,032,285) |
Class S | (1,450,295) | (33,062,488) | (6,615,095) | (156,518,116) |
|
| $ (48,325,927) |
| $ (215,503,881) |
Shares converted* | ||||
Class AARP | — | $ — | (594,986) | $ (13,076,282) |
Class S | — | — | 595,176 | 13,076,282 |
|
| $ |
| $ — |
Redemption fees | $ 5,960 |
| $ 20,013 | |
Net increase (decrease) | ||||
Class A | 954,459 | $ 20,424,397 | (599,015) | $ (14,492,630) |
Class B | 35,137 | 653,157 | 52,250 | 1,174,655 |
Class C | 113,571 | 2,228,512 | 104,316 | 2,360,009 |
Class AARP* | — | — | (478,813) | (7,567,904) |
Class S | 1,045,230 | 20,818,661 | 1,614,470 | 38,799,943 |
|
| $ 44,124,727 |
| $ 20,274,073 |
G. Regulatory Matters and Litigation
Regulatory Settlements. On December 21, 2006, Deutsche Asset Management ("DeAM") settled proceedings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the New York Attorney General on behalf of Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. ("DAMI") and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA"), the investment advisors to many of the DWS Scudder funds, regarding allegations of improper trading of fund shares at DeAM and at the legacy Scudder and Kemper organizations prior to their acquisition by DeAM in April 2002. These regulators alleged that although the prospectuses for certain funds in the regulators' view indicated that the funds did not permit market timing, DAMI and DIMA breached their fiduciary duty to those funds in that their efforts to limit trading activity in the funds were not effective at certain times. The regulators also alleged that DAMI and DIMA breached their fiduciary duty to certain funds by entering into certain market timing arrangements with investors. These trading arrangements originated in businesses that existed prior to the currently constituted DeAM organization, which came together as a result of various mergers of the legacy Scudder, Kemper and Deutsche fund groups, and all of the arrangements were terminated prior to the start of the regulatory investigations that began in the summer of 2003. No current DeAM employee approved these trading arrangements. Under the terms of the settlements, DAMI and DIMA neither admitted nor denied any wrongdoing.
The terms of the SEC settlement, which identified improper trading in the legacy Deutsche and Kemper mutual funds only, provide for payment of disgorgement in the amount of $17.2 million. The terms of the settlement with the New York Attorney General provide for payment of disgorgement in the amount of $102.3 million, which is inclusive of the amount payable under the SEC settlement, plus a civil penalty in the amount of $20 million. The total amount payable by DeAM, approximately $122.3 million, would be distributed to funds in accordance with a distribution plan to be developed by a distribution consultant. The funds' investment advisors do not believe these amounts will have a material adverse financial impact on them or materially affect their ability to perform under their investment management agreements with the DWS funds. The above-described amounts are not material to Deutsche Bank, and have already been reserved.
Among the terms of the settled orders, DeAM is subject to certain undertakings regarding the conduct of its business in the future, including: formation of a Code of Ethics Oversight Committee to oversee all matters relating to issues arising under the advisors' Code of Ethics; establishment of an Internal Compliance Controls Committee having overall compliance oversight responsibility of the advisors; engagement of an Independent Compliance Consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of the advisors' supervisory compliance and other policies and procedures designed to prevent and detect breaches of fiduciary duty, breaches of the Code of Ethics and federal securities law violations by the advisors and their employees; and commencing in 2008, the advisors shall undergo a compliance review by an independent third party.
In addition, DeAM is subject to certain further undertakings relating to the governance of the mutual funds, including that: at least 75% of the members of the Boards of Trustees/Directors overseeing the DWS Funds continue to be independent of DeAM; the Chairmen of the DWS Funds' Boards of Trustees/Directors continue to be independent of DeAM; DeAM maintain existing management fee reductions for certain funds for a period of five years and not increase management fees for certain funds during this period; the funds retain a senior officer (or independent consultants) responsible for assisting in the review of fee arrangements and monitoring compliance by the funds and the investment advisors with securities laws, fiduciary duties, codes of ethics and other compliance policies, the expense of which shall be borne by DeAM; and periodic account statements, fund prospectuses and the mutual funds' web site contain additional disclosure and/or tools that assist investors in understanding the fees and costs associated with an investment in the funds and the impact of fees and expenses on fund returns.
DeAM has also settled proceedings with the Illinois Secretary of State regarding market timing matters. The terms of the Illinois settlement provide for investor education contributions totaling approximately $4 million and a payment in the amount of $2 million to the Securities Audit and Enforcement Fund.
On September 28, 2006, the SEC and the National Association of Securities Dealers ("NASD") announced final agreements in which Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA"), Deutsche Asset Management, Inc. ("DAMI") and Scudder Distributors, Inc. ("SDI") (now known as DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc.) settled administrative proceedings regarding disclosure of brokerage allocation practices in connection with sales of the Scudder Funds' (now known as the DWS Scudder Funds) shares during 2001-2003. The agreements with the SEC and NASD are reflected in orders which state, among other things, that DIMA and DAMI failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest to the fund Boards and to shareholders relating to SDI's use of certain funds' brokerage commissions to reduce revenue sharing costs to broker-dealer firms with whom it had arrangements to market and distribute Scudder Fund shares. These directed brokerage practices were discontinued in October 2003.
Under the terms of the settlements, in which DIMA, DAMI and SDI neither admitted nor denied any of the regulators' findings, DIMA, DAMI and SDI agreed to pay disgorgement, prejudgment interest and civil penalties in the total amount of $19.3 million. The portion of the settlements distributed to the funds was approximately $17.8 million and was paid to the funds as prescribed by the settlement orders based upon the amount of brokerage commissions from each fund used to satisfy revenue sharing agreements with broker-dealers who sold fund shares. Accordingly, in October 2006 the Fund received $4,329 from the Advisor for its settlement portion, which was equivalent to $0.00035 per share.
As part of the settlements, DIMA, DAMI and SDI also agreed to implement certain measures and undertakings relating to revenue sharing payments including making additional disclosures in the fund Prospectuses or Statements of Additional Information, adopting or modifying relevant policies and procedures and providing regular reporting to the fund Boards.
Private Litigation Matters. The matters alleged in the regulatory settlements described above also serve as the general basis of a number of private class action lawsuits involving the DWS funds. These lawsuits name as defendants various persons, including certain DWS funds, the funds' investment advisors and their affiliates, and certain individuals, including in some cases fund Trustees/Directors, officers, and other parties. Each DWS fund's investment advisor has agreed to indemnify the applicable DWS funds in connection with these lawsuits, or other lawsuits or regulatory actions that may be filed making similar allegations.
Based on currently available information, the funds' investment advisors believe the likelihood that the pending lawsuits will have a material adverse financial impact on a DWS fund is remote and such actions are not likely to materially affect their ability to perform under their investment management agreements with the DWS funds.
H. Acquisition of Assets
On April 13, 2006, the Fund acquired all of the net assets of Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc., pursuant to a plan of reorganization approved by shareholders on March 21, 2006. The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 8,759,833 shares of Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc., for 5,580,758 Class S shares of the Fund outstanding on April 13, 2006. Scudder New Asia Fund's net assets at that date of $137,847,772, including $24,490,845 of net unrealized appreciation, were combined with those of the Fund. The aggregate net assets of the Fund immediately before the acquisition were $300,654,235. The combined net assets of the Fund immediately following the acquisition were $438,502,007.
For shareholders of Classes A, B and C | |
Automated Information Line | (800) 621-1048 Personalized account information, information on other DWS funds and services via touchtone telephone and for Classes A, B, and C only, the ability to exchange or redeem shares. |
Web Site | www.dws-scudder.com View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor your asset allocation, and change your address, 24 hours a day.Obtain prospectuses and applications, blank forms, interactive worksheets, news about DWS funds, subscription to fund updates by e-mail, retirement planning information, and more. |
For More Information | (800) 621-1048 To speak with a DWS Scudder service representative. |
Written Correspondence | DWS Scudder PO Box 219151Kansas City, MO 64121-9151 |
Proxy Voting | A description of the fund's policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available on our Web site — www.dws-scudder.com (click on "proxy voting"at the bottom of the page) — or on the SEC's Web site — www.sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the fund's policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at (800) 621-1048. |
Principal Underwriter | If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside PlazaChicago, IL 60606-5808 (800) 621-1148 |
| Class A | Class B | Class C |
Nasdaq Symbol | SEKAX | SEKBX | SEKCX |
CUSIP Number | 23337R 106 | 23337R 205 | 23337R 304 |
Fund Number | 479 | 679 | 779 |
For shareholders of Class S | |
Automated Information Lines | (800) 728-3337 Personalized account information, the ability to exchange or redeem shares, and information on other DWS funds and services via touchtone telephone. |
Web Site | www.dws-scudder.com |
| View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor your asset allocation, and change your address, 24 hours a day. Obtain prospectuses and applications, blank forms, interactive worksheets, news about DWS funds, subscription to fund updates by e-mail, retirement planning information, and more. |
For More Information | (800) 728-3337 To speak with a DWS Scudder service representative. |
Written Correspondence | DWS Scudder PO Box 219151Kansas City, MO 64121-9151 |
Proxy Voting | A description of the fund's policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available on our Web site — www.dws-scudder.com (click on "proxy voting"at the bottom of the page) — or on the SEC's Web site — www.sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the fund's policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at (800) 621-1048. |
Principal Underwriter | If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact: DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc. 222 South Riverside PlazaChicago, IL 60606-5808 (800) 621-1148 |
| Class S |
Nasdaq Symbol | SEMGX |
Fund Number | 2079 |
This privacy statement is issued by DWS Scudder Distributors, Inc., Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., DeAM Investor Services, Inc., DWS Trust Company and the DWS Funds.
We never sell customer lists or individual client information. We consider privacy fundamental to our client relationships and adhere to the policies and practices described below to protect current and former clients' information. Internal policies are in place to protect confidentiality, while allowing client needs to be served. Only individuals who need to do so in carrying out their job responsibilities may access client information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal and state standards to protect confidentiality. These safeguards extend to all forms of interaction with us, including the Internet.
In the normal course of business, clients give us nonpublic personal information on applications and other forms, on our websites, and through transactions with us or our affiliates. Examples of the nonpublic personal information collected are name, address, Social Security number and transaction and balance information. To be able to serve our clients, certain of this client information is shared with affiliated and nonaffiliated third party service providers such as transfer agents, custodians, and broker-dealers to assist us in processing transactions and servicing your account with us. In addition, we may disclose all of the information we collect to companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing agreements. The organizations described above that receive client information may only use it for the purpose designated by the DWS Scudder Companies listed above.
We may also disclose nonpublic personal information about you to other parties as required or permitted by law. For example, we are required or we may provide information to government entities or regulatory bodies in response to requests for information or subpoenas, to private litigants in certain circumstances, to law enforcement authorities, or any time we believe it necessary to protect the firm.
Questions on this policy may be sent to:
DWS Scudder
Attention: Correspondence — Chicago
P.O. Box 219415
Kansas City, MO 64121-9415
September 2006
Notes
Notes
Notes
ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS |
|
|
| Not applicable. |
|
|
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT |
|
|
| Not applicable. |
|
|
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
|
|
| Not applicable. |
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS |
|
|
| Not Applicable |
|
|
ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
|
|
| Not Applicable |
|
|
ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
|
|
| Not applicable. |
|
|
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
|
|
| Not applicable. |
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
|
|
| Not Applicable. |
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
|
|
| The Committee on Independent Trustees/Directors selects and nominates Independent Trustees/Directors. Fund shareholders may submit nominees that will be considered by the committee when a Board vacancy occurs. Submissions should be mailed to: c/o Dawn-Marie Driscoll, PO Box 100176, Cape Coral, FL 33910. |
|
|
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
|
|
| (a) The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant's Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report. |
|
|
| (b) There have been no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's last half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of the annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting. |
|
|
ITEM 12. | EXHIBITS |
|
|
| (a)(1) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT. |
|
|
| (b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT. |
Form N-CSRS Item F
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant: | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund, a series of DWS International Fund, Inc. |
By: | /s/Michael G. Clark |
| Michael G. Clark |
President
Date: | June 27, 2007 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Registrant: | DWS Emerging Markets Equity Fund, a series of DWS International Fund, Inc. |
By: | /s/Michael G. Clark |
| Michael G. Clark |
President
Date: | June 27, 2007 |
By: | /s/Paul Schubert |
| Paul Schubert |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date: | June 27, 2007 |